Radiator Fan Assembly Replacement Cost

Know what price you should pay to get your vehicle fixed.

The average cost for a radiator fan assembly replacement is between $552 and $587. Labor costs are estimated between $129 and $164 while parts are priced at $423. Estimate does not include taxes and fees.

Note about price: The cost of this service or repair can vary by location, your vehicle's make and model, and even your engine type. Related repairs may also be needed. Talk with a RepairPal Certified shop to learn which repairs might be right for you.

What is a radiator fan assembly?

Radiators use airflow to cool the engine. The radiator cooling fan is a powerful fan that can create additional airflow when needed.

How does the radiator fan assembly work?

Hot engine coolant is pumped into the radiator when the thermostat opens, and the radiator sends the coolant through a set of coils to be cooled. The radiator uses airflow to cool the radiator coils, and the radiator fan can increase this airflow when the temperature hits a certain point. This process occurs the entire time the engine is running, and prevents the vehicle from overheating.

What are the symptoms related to a bad radiator fan assembly?

When the radiator fans stop functioning properly, the engine temperature will rise. The spike in temperature will be highest when the vehicle is idling at a stop, but should subside once the vehicle begins moving again.

Additionally, the air conditioner typically won't blow as cold. This is because the air from the radiator fans also blows across the air conditioning condenser, so when the fans fail, both systems suffer.

You'll also usually see the check engine light and notice a drop in fuel economy. It's possible the fan will start making noise if it's failing, as well.

Can I drive with a radiator fan assembly problem?

If your car has a cooling system problem don't drive it. Doing so can result in overheating and severe engine damage.

How often do radiator fan assemblies need to be replaced?

Radiator and air conditioning cooling fans fail, but it doesn't happen often. Most vehicles will never need one replaced. The most frequent causes of failure are collisions or overheating.

How are radiator fan assembly issues diagnosed?

When the check engine light is on, a mechanic will use a scanning tool to find out what the car's computer is reporting. If the car is overheating and the scanner finds codes related to the radiator fan, the fan will be tested to see if it's working properly.

How is a radiator fan assembly replaced?

The radiator fan slides out easily on most vehicles. The battery will be disconnected, then the fan connector will be unplugged, and retaining hardware for the upper fan will be removed. Some plastic guards will need to be removed from the undercarriage of the vehicle in order to access any retaining hardware.

OBD codes related to Radiator Fan Assembly Replacement

RepairPal recommendations for radiator fan assembly issues

There are many universal radiator cooling fans available for purchase, but they may not be reliable. It's best to purchase the fan made specifically for the vehicle.

Can I replace the radiator fan assembly myself?

To properly diagnose the fan, you'll need some knowledge of electrical circuits, and you'll need to know when it's supposed to run. If you can confirm it's faulty, it's often pretty easy to replace as a DIY project.